[kezug]

Update: I have taken in some good input and am now reconsidering the ST1300. It may just be a bit too much/too heavy. However, I am going to call my local Honda dealer who shows one in stock to see if I can take it for a test ride. I am skeptical if they have it though as it may just be a lure to coming in to see other bikes (a lure).

However, someone mentioned an NT700V and this is really looking attractive to me. While it may exhibit boring characteristics (from reviewers, not me) it may just be the basic bigger 2nd bike for me to have for a season. So I am researching these at the moment. Although I am a bit worried that since they are not so common in the US (unless I am mistaken) they may be hard to resell or get parts for/fix.

 

[detdrbuzzard]

go on and get the ST and get it over with

 

[Howard1500]

I had a 2006 for about 6 months great bike with monster HP be careful. Sold and went with a Goldwing. The ST 1300 was really uncomfortable for me. seat had no padding, no place for highway bars, I put helibars on it and my shoulders and back killed me.

 

[kezug]

...a little more about my riding experiences so far. This weekend, I rode with my friend who has an F6B. We did some back road touring (my style, I led) that first took us through some stop and go/lights of the town but then onto some long wide open, barely any other people on the road, roads and on some of them, the condition was ripe for me to go faster than I usually ride. This took me to a long stretch of 50, to 55 and once up to 60. No wind, no other drivers around, flat and straight rode. I was comfortable at that speed, but I could not see me maintaining that speed for LONG stretches on the Rebel 250. While it could handle it, it just seemed to be at the near top of the gear and the strain on the bike wore me out a little mentally. Plus I have no windshield, so at times the wind was knocking me around a little, not bad, but on the rebel its pronounced.

So, while the Rebel 250 (for me at least) is not really meant for that type of speed for long durations, even if it can go faster, I didnt want to go that fast, esp on that bike. I know others do ride this fast and further/fast, but its just not for me, at least on that bike.

As I contemplate further, I ask myself how would I feel going that fast on a bike with more oomph and weight. The ST1300 certainly would feel different and probably more comfortable at that higher speed, slicing through that wind easily. But then I think to myself, especially as one that will only ride solo (my wife wont get on the back, never will and riding 2 up is not what I am striving for), that the NT700V (60 hp) will be a nice bump to my Rebel 250 (19 hp)!

If I get a chance, I will take my friends 500 Vulcan at that speed on the same stretch of rode and see how I feel at that speed.

Even if I don't like that type of speed for long durations, I know what I do like and its cruising 45 ish through back roads/twisties/through town...and if thats where I feel most comfortable, I will be happy. If I grow to wanting to ride much further and/or at higher speeds, perfect, but if not, I surely will be very happy on the back roads on a bike of more comfort, as the Rebel 250 is a bit smallish for my frame.

So, all that said, yeah while the NT700 lacks oomph when comparing to needs that are more than it has or certainly directly to an ST1100 or ST1300, it surely sounds good on paper right now compared to what I have and what my thinking is for the styling and riding I am growing into (at least in this stage of my passion for motorcycling).

 

[fossil92]

I would not worry about parts for the NT700, they should be very available, and they are very reliable. Although some of the guys are giving you future info, and saying to just go with a ST, you are the one that needs to be comfortable with your choice. A cautious approach and the purchase of a NT700 would not be terrible. After a year or so when you are truly comfortable you can always move the 700 and step up again.

 

[detdrbuzzard]

my ST 1300 had a very comfortable Sargent seat, MCL highway blades ( pegs ), and Gen-mar bar risers for added comfort. MCL stuff is not around anymore but PSR has highway blades and a few other things for an ST 1300. i can't say how comfortable the stock seat is because i never had it on the bike even though it was given to me when i bought it. if you want something slightly sporty but will still munch miles get the ST, i made the switch from my '93 1500se to my '06 ST 1300 back in '15 and while i still have my Wing it is not my first choice though i still consider it a great bike. two reasons i went with the Mighty ST 1300 over upgrading to an 1800 Wing
less weight than a 1500 or an 1800 wing
that 7.7 gallon gas tank

 

[detdrbuzzard]

you might want to look at a suzuki vstrom 650. though its chain driven there way more farkles for it than a NT700 plus it has a bit more power, i'm thinking of selling my BMW R1200 GSA for one

 

[Cyberwolf009]

I have rode 100 miles in one day on these types of roads and just really find myself smiling, from ear to ear, riding on many roads I would normally NOT even think of if I were in a car.

I loved your write up of your experience so far! I've been riding for 12 years or so, but the first 10 of that was commuting on straight South Florida roads with lots of traffic. It wasn't until I moved to Georgia in my 50s that I understood the passion for just riding around and enjoying the roads. I can really understand where you're coming from.

So, with all that said, say I did get something big like an F6B or ST1300 or xyz, why wouldnt I want to really know how to ride it slow along with riding in town. I mean, wouldnt I want to be sure I can do figure 8's, u turns, 90 turns from stops, etc... just like I did with my Rebel 250?

I don't think anyone will dissuade you from honing your slow speed skills. I think we're trying to say that slow speed shouldn't be the first thing you try to master on a bigger bike. You definitely seem to have the right idea on taking your time to get the feel of a bike, and the same goes for an ST1300, F6B, etc. Just maybe get a good feel for stopping, starting and cruising first before you try figure 8s. If you're not at all used to the weight and character of the bigger bikes first, it's likely to be much harder and certainly a lot scarier.

 

[kezug]

I loved your write up of your experience so far! I've been riding for 12 years or so, but the first 10 of that was commuting on straight South Florida roads with lots of traffic. It wasn't until I moved to Georgia in my 50s that I understood the passion for just riding around and enjoying the roads. I can really understand where you're coming from.




I don't think anyone will dissuade you from honing your slow speed skills. I think we're trying to say that slow speed shouldn't be the first thing you try to master on a bigger bike. You definitely seem to have the right idea on taking your time to get the feel of a bike, and the same goes for an ST1300, F6B, etc. Just maybe get a good feel for stopping, starting and cruising first before you try figure 8s. If you're not at all used to the weight and character of the bigger bikes first, it's likely to be much harder and certainly a lot scarier.

Thank you for giving me another perspective about handling slow maneuvers with heavier bikes. I like how you put it.

 

[Diggers1800]

Based on your earlier post about cruising 45- 55ish on country roads...

The ST would be out IMHO. It doesn't like those speeds. You will be enjoying the ride and then realize you are approaching 70+. The ST1300 wants to run.

My recommendation would be the NV700. Especially since you mentioned a bike for another riding season. After that you may find that you want to stick with it or are ready to move up.

You can analyze it to death. Just do some research and take a leap. The resale market will always be there.

 

[detdrbuzzard]

don't be fooled while bigger bikes go faster you are in control of the throttle so 45-55 on the Mighty ST 1300 is no harder than going those speeds on any other bike. if you read my last ride report the only time i got on the expressway was to get a pic at the welcome center the rest of the ride was on roads with speed of 30 -, 60 mph

 

[Railroadrider]

Ok, long and short of it, I am a new rider at 51 years old. I have NEVER ridden, but always wanted to ride. I finally decided to start and start right. I took the MSF course, got my endorsement and have been riding my Rebel 250 a lot for the past 2.5 months. I put on about 1000 miles so far. I have also put on about 100 miles on my neighbors Vulcan 500. I feel very comfortable on the 500 but that bike is not something I would buy as its has some minor quirks I dont like. The Rebel 250 is slightly small for my 5'10 200lbs frame (32" inseam), making me need to get something larger. I also feel I am ready for my next bike. So, I am on the hunt for the next bike but one I can have for a little while, not just a few months (at least thats whats in my mind).

I have been eyeballing a lot of bikes to determine what is the next bike for me (I realize this is where the fun and frustration comes as its hard to do)

So, why am I here? Well, I really like the ST1300. It has a lot of great reviews and it ticks off a lot of what I like (or think I would like at least) and the ONLY thing is I am worried about 125 hp.

I dont ride fast, I am not looking for doing wheelies, racing, knee down cornering, I just want to ride etc...

I just like to ride, smaller highways are fine, mostly long country roads and twisties. I live in Indiana, its mostly flat.

Is this bike way too much for me, at this time?
Will this bike be too big for smaller rides, in town (I live in Indiana, our towns are small but not tiny or congested with hundreds of vehicles)?
If I do continue with looking into an ST1300, what year should I strive for?

While the ST1100 may be an option, I just dont like a few things on this bike and would rather avoid it and stick with the 1300 if I am going to get an ST.

Thank you for reading and I look forward to some dialogue and advice.

I'm a very long term rider, well over 50 years, so in that respect I have a distinct advantage over you. I am also 5'10". I've had my 2005 ST since 2008 after 22 years with a GL1100. I'm on this sight because I also have a 2006 trike. An ST is a VERY top heavy machine and has to be treated as such. I've had to pick it up MANY times. Off camber road surfaces and slick road surfaces are very hazardous. That being said I REALLY like this bike. It has way more power than most anybody NEEDS and yet still gets circa 50 mpg if you're even remotely judicious with your right hand. It is a heat generator so, depending on where you live that can be a serious issue. For most, myself included, only a couple farkles are needed to make it very comfortable for long rides. Bar backs, windshield and a different seat give even this old body the capability of 600+ mile days.

 

[Madrussian]

I have a 2016 Honda STX700 DCT for sale with 6000+/- miles. Outstanding bike and being an automatic really makes your ride like a breeze.
Excellent condition and shape and clear title as well.

 

[fossil92]

I have a 2016 Honda STX700 DCT for sale with 6000+/- miles. Outstanding bike and being an automatic really makes your ride like a breeze.
Excellent condition and shape and clear title as well.

Hey Ralph, don't you mean a CTX700???

 

[Madrussian]

Sure did. Thank you. Fat fingers….

 

[1800BlueRidgeRider]

If I'm too late sorry for the input. I have read this thread from top to bottom. There are a lot of good comments and suggestions throughout. After digesting the whole thing, and reading between the lines on your progress and comfort level, my initial suggestion would be the NV-700. Don't worry yourself about parts or service, they can be found. Before I bought my current Goldwing I was actually considering one myself. I just couldn't find one that I really liked close enough to me to consider. They were there just not my color etc...

Another bike I was interested in and would have bought had the right color come along was the PC-800 Pacific Coast. Can't explain why but I really like that bike. I rode one once and really liked it, but it wasn't for sale. Then after I got my second Goldwing, then the trailer, then the camper I was glad I went bigger. But from all that I have read it would be a great bike given your goals and your perception of your abilities. I even watched a video of a guy riding cross country with his buddies riding a PC-800, and it performed really well and ran right with the Harley's he was riding with. Look it up.

As for the ST1300, I cannot bad mouth it; it is a great machine. But it is also a beast of a motorcycle. I have a buddy at work that has one and I respect that thing! I have said many times that the motorcycle is at the mercy of the rider not the other way around. It will only go as fast as you twist that right grip to make it go. But bikes of this caliber and ability command respect and a certain amount of learned ability. This is one of those that you work your way up to not learn it as you go.

The F6B is a great ride as well. Kawasaki makes the Vaquero which is a V-Twin version of the F6B. Don't let the weight get in the way if your abilities and confidence will let you ENJOY riding it each time you throw a leg over it. Buying too big of a bike is ill advised just to save a step in the advancing process. Again, a bike I would suggest working up to given what I've read. Weight is not a very hard thing to get used to handling, but power and weight can be a bit daunting early on in ones riding years. That NV-700 would really be at the top of my list at your stage.

I will leave you with this; buy as much motorcycle as first your abilities and second you budget will allow you to. You are already going about this the right way. But only you can decide for yourself what feels right under your butt and your right hand. THERE IS NO SHAME IN BUYING A SMALLER, SLOWER MOTORCYCLE THAN ANYONE ELSE THINKS YOU SHOULD HAVE. My father in law was a life long rider and told me when I was looking to move up to the Goldwing "Buy the bike that speaks to you when you sit on it. Nobody else will hear it, but you damn sure will!" PM me your information when you get your bike and I'll send you a Gremlin Bell for it!

 

[Cyberwolf009]

Sure did. Thank you. Fat fingers….

For a minute there I thought there was a Honda I didn't know about! BTW, I'm also in the Atlanta area and I've seen your ad for the CTX and it's a great looking bike. I've thought about those as a second bike and one to teach some new riders.

 

[Fibersport]

A little personal history for you. I'm 5'9" about 185. I started riding later in life, I'm 59 now been legally street riding since 2008. I started with a Rebel 250, then a Shadow 600. Both were great fort awhile. I've always wanted a Goldwing, so my son found a great deal on a 1500. I bought it and suddenly started dropping the bike. A buddy of mine had a ST1300 years ago, he told me to take it for a ride, I could barely get it off the stand and said no way. The 1500 was very similar in being a very top heavy bike. I never even rode the 1300 just because it would give me a hernia just to get it off the stand. I rode my 1500 for about 3 years and moved up to an 1800. The 1800 is the best bike I have ever ridden by far. The weight balance is fantastic, I call it my "old mans crotch rocket". It's quick, it's nimble and it handles like it's on rails. You might like the 1300 styling but for a guy who is a little height challenged, I find the 1800 is the perfect bike for me - and I no longer feel like the bike is controlling me as my 1500 did.

 

[1800BlueRidgeRider]

A little personal history for you. I'm 5'9" about 185. I started riding later in life, I'm 59 now been legally street riding since 2008. I started with a Rebel 250, then a Shadow 600. Both were great fort awhile. I've always wanted a Goldwing, so my son found a great deal on a 1500. I bought it and suddenly started dropping the bike. A buddy of mine had a ST1300 years ago, he told me to take it for a ride, I could barely get it off the stand and said no way. The 1500 was very similar in being a very top heavy bike. I never even rode the 1300 just because it would give me a hernia just to get it off the stand. I rode my 1500 for about 3 years and moved up to an 1800. The 1800 is the best bike I have ever ridden by far. The weight balance is fantastic, I call it my "old mans crotch rocket". It's quick, it's nimble and it handles like it's on rails. You might like the 1300 styling but for a guy who is a little height challenged, I find the 1800 is the perfect bike for me - and I no longer feel like the bike is controlling me as my 1500 did.

I have to agree with you. I too had a 1500 and thought I loved it. That is until I got my 1800. I have had just about everything under the sun to ride, but my 1800 has got to be the most enjoyable bike to ride I have had. Two weeks ago I was riding a somewhat challenging section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I had a guy come up behind me on a Harley and stuck back there for several miles. After about 15 minutes I decided to see what he had, so I kinda went sport bike on him. His headlight kept getting smaller and smaller and I rode right away from him. Each time he would try to close the gap I would drop him. H/D's have nothing for the 1800 G/W!

 

[Fireball1800]

Lots of opinion's out there, doesn't' matter what you ride, as long as you like it, it fits you, and you ride it often. I wouldn't worry about CC's. Power is what "you" can control. You can putt putt around with 1800cc just like you can putt put around with 5cc. While having power is nice when you need it, the power is not the issue. The weight and handling of the bike, and how you feel on it can be. Once you purchase it, this is not something you can easily change. Of course there is a correlation between the CC size and Weight. My Son-N-Law had a Kawi, Ninja.. light weight, easy to flick around in corners, tones of power, but dang uncomfortable. Not easy to control when he was screwing around trying to be cool with the power of the bike, ran it off the road into the grass and lost control. He ended up breaking both wrist. Really cool when he was out of work for 8 weeks with pins and rods in his wrist. Before that accident, when he rode my 05 GL1800, he was skeptical at first, but after the ride, he was pleasantly surprised how light it actually felt, and how nimble it was for its size, and how much power it had, but it did not fit him, his stature was shorter, and his feet barely touched the ground. Besides it was just not his "style". You know, its a old Geiser machine. He just could not get over that stigma. Bottom line for "me" would be how well "I" feel on the bike. What are my riding intentions? Comfort, Long Touring, Large and illuminated enough to be highly visible to others, mechanically sound. An ST1300, ST1100, or Even a older classic GL500cc are wonderful bikes. I love the ST style, mechanical design. I also liked the Sabers. Same as the new F6B, Goldwing, Goldwing tours are wonderful cruising/touring bikes. Pick what you feel comfortable on and what your intentions are for riding. Its your choice, your money, that is what matters. Function, Fit, Form and bottom line $$. Ride Safe, Ride often.